Sydney geared up for Melbourne victory

Old rivalries are set to re-ignite this Friday night in what is sure to be one of the games of the season when Sydney FC plays Melbourne Victory in a top-of-the-table clash at Etihad Stadium.

Old rivalries are set to re-ignite this Friday night in what is sure to be one of the games of the season when Sydney FC plays Melbourne Victory in a top-of-the-table clash at Etihad Stadium.

At the centre of the contest will be the personal battle between one of the league-s most tenacious defenders, Simon Colosimo and Melbourne-s most lethal attacking weapon, Archie Thompson - and Colosimo is relishing the forthcoming test.

“Playing against Archie, as hard as it is, it-s actually quite fun too because he is such a wonderful player,” said Colosimo.

“You know, you get to put yourself up against it (the challenge) which is great. It-s going to be lots of fun that-s for sure.”

Having re-claimed the outright lead in the Hyundai A-League competition on Monday, the 30-year old is confident his side is ready for the challenge of facing Melbourne on its home turf.

“We feel that we-re a good chance (to win) as we go into every game thinking that we can do well and get the result,” he said. “It-s all about getting our bodies right - getting there on Friday night and going through the same process as we did for Monday. We need to work hard together firstly, and get our football right and we-ll definitely be in the game.”

In what is always a tight derby the central defender knows that a solitary goal may be the difference between the two teams and is focused on minimising Victory-s scoring opportunities.

“We have been a bit disappointed with a couple of goals conceded before Monday-s win, so one of our aims, especially as a back four is to finish with a clean sheet. We did that (against the Mariners) but Clint (Bolton) made some really good saves and we know Melbourne will throw everything at us on Friday.”

A win would see the Sky Blues confirm their position as clear league leaders and Colosimo believes Monday-s result has them set up for victory.

“The boys were excellent against the Mariners and it-s nice to be sitting there (in first). We really showed that we know how to work together as a team and we want to build on that this weekend.”